ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Budget Season Tactics

Hit Them Where It Hurts

Encryption costs money—often millions of dollars. Even if the police chief wants encryption, elected officials control the budget. No funding = no encryption. This is your leverage point.

The Budget Leverage Point

Even if the police chief makes operational decisions, elected officials approve the budget. Encryption systems require capital expenditure, often $500K to $5M+ depending on department size. Council can simply refuse to fund it.

"You can't encrypt what you can't pay for."

The Budget Calendar

Know when to intervene at each stage

1

Department Requests

Usually: 3-6 months before fiscal year

Police department submits budget request to city manager/mayor. Encryption funding appears as line item.

Your Action:

Monitor city manager communications. File FOIA for department budget submissions. Early awareness gives you time to organize.

2

Proposed Budget Released

Usually: 2-3 months before fiscal year

Mayor/city manager releases proposed budget for council consideration. Encryption should be identifiable as line item.

Your Action:

Review budget document line by line. Identify encryption funding. Begin council outreach immediately. Request budget hearing testimony slots.

3

Budget Hearings

Usually: 1-2 months before fiscal year

Council holds public hearings on budget. Each department presents their requests. Public comment periods available.

Your Action:

Pack the hearing. Coordinate testimony from multiple speakers. Challenge encryption line item directly. Ask questions about cost-benefit.

4

Budget Amendments

Usually: Final weeks before adoption

Council members can propose amendments to add, remove, or modify line items. This is where encryption can be cut.

Your Action:

Lobby council members to propose amendment eliminating encryption funding. Provide draft amendment language. Push for recorded vote.

5

Budget Adoption Vote

Usually: Before fiscal year begins

Council votes on final budget. If encryption is still included, this is the final chance to stop it.

Your Action:

Maximum turnout for vote. Final public comment. Make clear this will be an election issue for any member who votes for encryption funding.

Finding the Encryption Line Item

Encryption may be hidden in vague budget language

What to Search For

  • "Radio system upgrade"
  • "P25 implementation"
  • "Communications modernization"
  • "Interoperability project"
  • "Radio infrastructure"
  • "Public safety communications"

Note: They may not explicitly say "encryption"—look for large dollar amounts in communications/radio line items.

Where to Look

  • Police department operating budget
  • Capital improvement plan (CIP)
  • Information technology budget
  • Public safety section
  • Grant-funded projects section

Dollar Amount Red Flags

  • Small department: $300K - $800K
  • Medium city: $1M - $3M
  • Large city: $5M - $20M+

NYPD's system: $390 million. Scale appropriately for your jurisdiction.

FOIA to Confirm

If you can't identify the line item clearly, file FOIA for:

  • "Budget submissions related to police radio systems"
  • "Capital requests for communications equipment"
  • "Grant applications for P25 or radio encryption"

Making the Cost Argument

Fiscal arguments resonate with budget-conscious officials

Initial Implementation

Hardware, software, installation, training. Often the largest single expenditure.

Ask: "What is the total implementation cost? What's included?"

Ongoing Maintenance

Annual software licenses, key management, vendor support, upgrades.

Ask: "What are the annual recurring costs? For how many years?"

Hidden Costs

Training, policy development, system integration, subscriber radios.

Ask: "What costs beyond the base contract are expected?"

The Zero ROI Argument

After documenting the full cost, ask:

  • "What documented benefit will we receive for this investment?"
  • "How many scanner-related officer injuries has this department documented?" (Answer: Zero)
  • "For [COST], we could hire [X] officers, fund [X] community programs, or invest in [X]."
  • "This is [COST] spent on a solution to a problem that doesn't exist."

Council Lobbying Tactics

How to work council members during budget season

Identify Swing Votes

Some council members are firmly pro-police; others are firmly pro-transparency. Focus on the undecided middle. Research past votes on police and budget issues.

Request Individual Meetings

Ask for 15-minute meetings with each undecided member. Bring evidence packet: FOIA results, cost analysis, alternatives. Leave written materials.

Fiscal Conservative Frame

For fiscally conservative members: "This is [AMOUNT] with no documented ROI. We should spend taxpayer money on proven solutions."

Progressive Frame

For progressive members: "Encryption reduces accountability at a time when we need more police transparency, not less."

Propose the Amendment

Provide draft language for a budget amendment eliminating or reducing encryption funding. Make it easy for sympathetic members to act.

Electoral Pressure

For members up for re-election: "This will be an issue in the next campaign. Voters care about transparency and fiscal responsibility."

Draft Budget Amendment Language

Provide this to sympathetic council members

Sample Amendment to Eliminate Encryption Funding

AMENDMENT TO FY[YEAR] PROPOSED BUDGET

SPONSORED BY: Council Member [NAME]

PURPOSE: To eliminate funding for police radio encryption and redirect funds to [ALTERNATIVE USE].

WHEREAS, the proposed budget includes $[AMOUNT] for police radio encryption or radio system upgrade with encryption capability; and

WHEREAS, no documented evidence has been presented that public scanner access has caused officer harm or operational compromise; and

WHEREAS, open police radio communications have served communities for decades and provide critical public safety information during emergencies; and

WHEREAS, alternative approaches exist, such as hybrid systems, that address police concerns without eliminating public access;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the [CITY] Council amends the FY[YEAR] budget to:

  1. Eliminate line item [NUMBER/DESCRIPTION] in the amount of $[AMOUNT] for police radio encryption;
  2. Direct the Police Department to present hybrid system alternatives for Council consideration before any future encryption funding request; and
  3. Require a public hearing before any future proposal to encrypt police radio communications.

If Encryption Gets Funded

Budget advocacy doesn't end with one vote

Next Year's Budget

Most implementations take 1-2 years. There may be additional funding requests in future budgets. Continue organizing for the next cycle.

Implementation Delays

Many encryption projects face delays from technical issues, vendor problems, or interoperability challenges. Each delay is an opportunity to revisit.

Mid-Year Amendments

Budgets can be amended mid-year. If circumstances change (new council, new evidence), push for mid-year reduction or elimination.

Election Strategy

If encryption funding passes, make it an election issue. Support candidates who commit to reversing or defunding encryption.

Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

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Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
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Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
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Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

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See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
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Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
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Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit
Campaign timeline → Testimony guide → Cost analysis evidence →